Mar 16

Apr 15

Always arrive on time. Make sure that you’re at least 15 minutes early. Respect the time of others.

These are statements that you’ll continuously hear me saying in both youth and adult etiquette classes. I’m a big advocate of being respectful and mindful of others’, especially as it relates to time. Time is undeniably the one thing in life you can’t buy, barter, steal, swindle or take back. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.

So, imagine the utter void in my gut as I was heading to teach a class recently and the nasty conclusion that I would be late became a realization. Traffic is absolutely monstrous in the DC area. Your quick 30 minute commute can easily turn into a one hour and 30 minute frustrating, prolonged and stop and go commute, and that’s exactly what I endured.

As I headed to class, locked and loaded with certificates, cupcakes and an excitement to teach about social networking etiquette, I was overly anxious about knowing I would be late.The traffic was relentless and didn’t let up for even a moment.

So, as I walked up to class, 35 minutes late for what was only a 60 minute class, I inwardly dreaded the would-be conversation. Now, I remind you that I did have cupcakes in hand, so of course, that has the potential to soften any blow. I bravely approached the girls and their mentors who were wasting a little time at the play ground as they waited for me. To my surprise, the girls and the mentors were all smiles when I walked up. I’m sure that apart of the smiles was directly linked to the sweet treats in my right hand. But, much of the smiles seemed genuine about just my attendance.

I immediately apologized for my tardiness, and even used it as a learning lesson of transparency for the girls. After a few moments of chatting, one of the more quiet girls in the class said quietly, “Mrs. Jacqueline, aren’t you always supposed to be 15 minutes earlier”. I replied “yes” and proceeded to tell her a little more about what led to the lateness and what she and I could do to prevent something like this happening in the future.

Quite honestly, this was one of the young ladies, who I didn’t think I was engaging. I was doubtful that she was really retaining or had taken an extreme interest in the instruction. Boy, was I wrong. She remembered almost everything I said and was chattier than ever that day.

Scarlet Says… Surely, there will be mistakes, delays, traffic and things that are completely beyond your control. If you are unexpectedly delayed every now and then, (hopefully) your normal on time, thoughtful and kind protocol will keep you level. Also, be mindful of your energy, messages and impact. As much as we go about our robotic and mechanical-like days, we sometimes become immune to our impact. What vibes, information, positivity or negativity are you projecting for others to pick up on?

Until next time,

Scarlet

31

Oct 11

Trick or treating makes Halloween one of kids’ favorite days of the year. Please be mindful that as with everything else in life there is a right and a wrong way to trick or treat. It is only right that Scarlet helps you by giving you a few tips that will aid in knowing the right way to have fun and get the best treats during Halloween!

Wear a costume… If you are going trick-or-treating wear an appropriate costume. Halloween is not an excuse to dress in a way that you would not normally. Masks are fun and often scare little kids, however most people answering their doors are not a fan of these. Wearing make-up is a great substitute for a mask.

Look for a doorbell… Ring it once, and once only. If there is not a doorbell it is okay to knock, again once only. Give the people time to answer the door. Do not continue to knock and ring the doorbell. It may take a few seconds…relax the treats are coming!

Say, “trick-or-treat”… It is why you are there, so say it happily. People at the door may ask questions and say things about your costumes. Answer them politely and smile.

Say “Thank You!”… There is nothing people like to hear more than a ‘thank you’ when they are sharing with you. If your kids need a little prompting, do it.

Go to a house once… It is not good Halloween etiquette to go back to a house you have already been to.

If the lights are off the house is closed… This means that they have either run out of candy or they are not there.

SORRY but if you have a driver’s license you are too old. The only exception to this rule is if you are taking a younger sibling trick-or-treating.